Increased pressures at work mean that stress is frequently cited as the cause of absenteeism, low morale and inefficiency. But, if managed properly, stress can be a positive influence in the workplace. Learning to manage stress has benefits for everyone - and that's where the activities in this pack come in.
They enable participants to understand the true nature of stress and how to harness it for improved performance. This means that individuals will achieve a better quality of life, with organisations improving their productivity and profitability.
This activity pack:
- makes it clear that stress is a response to pressure
- demonstrates that reactions can be chosen and changed
- shows you how to recognise stress in yourself and others
- identifies strategies for managing stress
- explores skills and techniques for managing stress
List of Activities:
1: Understanding Stress at Work
An activity to ensure that all participants have a common understanding of what stress is and where it comes from. It provides an introduction to a training programme and, combined with Activity 2 Recognising Stress, establishes a base of knowledge which all the subsequent activities build on.
2: Recognising Stress
An activity which deals with the recognition of stress in self and others. Following on from Activity 1 Understanding Stress at Work, it establishes a base of knowledge which all the subsequent activities build on.
3: Strategies for Managing Stress at Work
Demonstrating that stress can be managed by using both short and long-term strategies, this activity also serves as an introduction to Activities 4 to 19.
4: Which Perspective Will You Choose?
Helping participants to understand that their perception of a situation is directly related to the stress it generates, this activity gives practical experience in altering perceptions.
5: Taking Control
An activity which enables participants to understand the relationship between control and stress and which shows that an essential element of stress management is to be proactive rather than reactive.
6: Blame? Who's to Blame?
Linking closely with the principles of Activity 5 Taking Control, this activity illustrates the key role that blame has in raising pressure and increasing stress. It goes on to give participants the opportunity to explore positive alternatives to placing blame. Some of the learning points may be easier to convey if participants have already worked through Activity 4 Which Perspective Will You Choose?
7: Mind Your Language
An activity which shows how language can increase or reduce pressure, it gives participants the opportunity to experience the consequences for themselves.
8: Being Assertive
Extending the principles of Activity 7 Mind Your Language, participants explore three different behaviour styles (aggressive, assertive and non-assertive) and how they relate to pressure at work.
9: Balancing the Load An activity which identifies ways to achieve a balanced workload. A practical exercise focuses on balancing your own workload or, for supervisors and managers, looks at balancing the workload of others.
10: Making the Most of Your Time
An activity which investigates the link between time pressures and stress. Participants develop practical strategies to reduce pressure by making the most of their time.
11: Winners and Losers in Conflict
Recognising that conflict is a key source of pressure at work, this activity shows that managed appropriately, conflict need not be a source of undue stress.
12: Welcome Change A series of exercises which illustrate the impact of change and explore ways to minimise the stress caused by change. As change of often gives rise to 'blame' and the need for support, this activity can be usefully extended with Activities 6 Blame? Who's to Blame? and 16 Seeking Support.
13: Look After Yourself
An activity which focuses on the relationship between physical well-being and stress. Emphasising the importance of a balanced life of exercise and a healthy diet, it encourages participants to make improvements in their own lifestyle.
14: Relax!
Demonstrating that releasing tension is an important aspect of stress management, this activity provides opportunities for participants to experience different relaxation techniques.
15: Making the Change Worthwhile
Making a change in our behaviour can be a source of pressure and yet many stress management skills do involve change. This activity shows participants how planning can ensure that stress levels are reduced rather than increased when changes are required.
16: Seeking Support
An activity which helps participants to appreciate the value of seeking the support of others. It gives participants practical guidance on building a support network for themselves and others.
17: Helping Others
The activity gives participants the opportunity to practise giving help to someone who is under pressure at work. Learning how to help others is particularly important for participants who work in teams and those with supervisory and managerial roles.
18: Don't Increase the Pressure
An activity which helps participants identify situations in which they may unknowingly be putting others under pressure.
19: Work Planning
Appropriate for use at the end of a training session, this activity encourages participants to be responsible for continuing their personal development and extending learning into the workplace.
